Help reduce costs and save the environment

June 15, 2004

KALAMAZOO--Hot summer days and periods of low traffic in campus
buildings mean Western Michigan University faculty and staff
need to be vigilant and help monitor campus energy usage. Just
making sure lights are out when work areas are not in use can
save the environment and WMU's bottom line.

There are several ways that nearly all faculty and staff can
contribute to reducing energy costs and saving the environment,
says Newton.

Turn off lights and appliances that are not actually being
used.

If you are the last person to leave a rest room, turn off
the lights.

Turn off computers when not in use. If the processor must
remain on when unattended, at least turn off the monitor.

Turn off photocopiers and printers at the end of each day.
Many newer machines will automatically go into "sleep"
mode if left unused, but even in this reduced-power mode, they
use more electricity than if they are turned off.

Check conference rooms, rest rooms and other public areas
at the end of each day to make sure lights are turned off.

Wear clothing that is appropriate for the season.

Even if your area has occupancy sensors, turn off lights when
you leave a room.

Temperature set points for all WMU buildings are 76 degrees
during the cooling season and 70 degrees during the heating season.